Altering the Fires
Chapter I : Scourge Of The Sea.
Part I : Masquerade.
“A mask tells us more than a face.”
―Oscar Wilde
"Ah, The Grand Ball ― Quite a spectacular event and the most awaited even! Ehem, I got ahead of myself there ; You see, I am too old for these kinds of things that the young ones organize. I was once a young handsome lad back then even I participated in the Grand Ball and let me tell you what boy! Women were swooning at me and they were fighting on who to gets to dance with me, ohohoho- Ehem, Enough about that, boy, Tonight will be a Grand night and from the balcony of our safe home― We will see these events pan out."
The Old Man pats his grand child as they look towards the Mansion of Dandhee Lyon, The kid looks up and asks, "Who is Dandhee Lyon, Grandpa?" The Old man smiled, "Ahhh, He was a good friend of mine, we would always go around town together― Only for him to be taken in his sleep. His legacy is being continued on by his son Stahl Lyon.
A fortnight ago at the balcony of the Mansion. . .
"Attention citizens! I have brought forth a message from Lord Lyon, This year's Grand Ball will be a Masquerade! That's right! The Ball is this going to be held at the Mansion and all of you are invited! It shall be held fortnights from now!"
The citizens cheered as if a cackle of hyenas― Quickly they disperse as fast as they have arrived, Meanwhile inside the Mansion the Lord and his advisor are standing near the Balcony Window.
"Lord, I do think that this Ball will be most excellent." The Advisor said as he fixes his tie. "Oh, I know Alfred! My father would be proud of me if he was alive to see me living his dream!" Stahl exclaimed with pride as he looks out the window.
"Oh indeed, Shall I get contact the tailor now my lord?" asked Alfred, "That would be grand, I shall entrust you to bring the best tailor in Enden to me. Stahl said as he walks away from Alfred and heads to his room.
"And in a fortnight, I shall be the new ruler of this City, as your costume will run red... For my name is Alfred Mörder Von Kaiser." Alfred whispers to himself as he hastily leave the mansion.
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"Hey, Mr. Sama? Are you going to the Ball?", A lady asked the man across him― A young handsome man albeit wearing a rugged chimney sweeper outfit and with charcoal dust all over him. "You can call me Heart ma'am and I don't think I can as I am just a chimney sweeper." He said as he puts away his tools.
The lady laughs, "Ahihi, Heart Sama! You are my best, loyal and most helpful worker! You deserve to go to the Ball! I'd even sponsor your suit and maybe I'll be your date?" Shyly she said as she walks closer to Heart.
It's a cold evening; the street lights shine the streets and the trees sway as the wind blows. The people minding their own business, the chit chat, the laughters, the tears, All is quiet compared to the sound of Heart's heart beating.
Tha-thump, Tha-thump, Tha-thump
"M-Madam Angelique... I-i bel―" Angelique puts her index finger to shush Heart, "Shhh, Heart, You can call me Angel." She said as she takes out her handkerchief and cleans Heart's face with it.
"You're even more handsome when you're clean, you know." She said as she puts her handkerchief back.
"M-mada-.. I mean, Angel.. I do not think your mother will approve of this― I mean I'm not exactly the richest man in the City.. " He said as he takes 3 gold coins in his pocket, "This is all I have and your mother wants you to marry a man who is at a financial level that equals your wealth." He said as he puts the gold back in his pocket.
Heart was quickly shushed again by Angel, "Heart, My love can not be bought." Angel said as she kisses Heart on the cheek.
"Mr. Heart of the Sama family! I, Angelique of the Crow family am willing to let you be my lover. She smiled as she bows lady-like.
"A-and I, Heart of the Sama family take you, Angelique of the Crow family as my lover." Heart says with pride.
Angel claps happily, "That's settled then! We're going to the ball together!
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The night of the Ball.
The sound of a music playing something along the lines of Johann Strauss II - Kaiser-Walzer, Op. 437 can be heard. The rich and famous people chatting about, the waiters giving out drinks, the people dancing and just having a good time can be seen even though all the attendees are in masks they all seem to be enjoying themselves. The entire mansion smelt of delightful fragrance and the food being served looked to be quite exquisite and mouth watering.
The chatter of the guests can be heard,
"Hoho, What delightful music they are playing!" " I adore your mask!" "You look dashing loves!" "Oh my, What an amazing dress you have on!" "Oh Sir Winfield, You look dashing!"
"......I'm not Sir Winfield, but thank you dear."
After a few minutes passed the Advisor taps his glass with a spoon, "Everyone, Everyone! Lord Stahl Lyon would like to say a few words!", Stahl steps on the stage and looks around and at the people.
"Good evening everyone! I would like to thank all of you for coming to the Ball! This is truly a great moment for me and this city after my Father passed― I thought that I couldn't step up and do what I can but after a few years of being in charge ; I do believe I have kept my Father's legacy alive and I wouldn't have done it with your help and I deeply thank you for that! I do hope you're enjoying the Ball so far and you may now resume what you were doing! Thank you!" Stahl said as he steps down the stage to continue chatting with the people in the Ball.
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"Oh Heart, You look so dashing with your suit! I knew inviting you here was worth it." Angel said as she dances with Heart, "Mada― Angel, If it wasn't for you I wouldn't even be here, I owe you a lot and you look absolutely beautiful in that dress." Heart replied.
The two and many others danced and danced for most of the night until― "Aaaaaah!" A woman screamed as she points to the stage.
"Ahoy! Yaharharhar, I don't mean to intrude but It seems like this party has what we want, Yohoho! A voice says and everyone turns to look, He's on the stage with a couple more people and one of his men have Lord Stahl over the shoulder.
A rather young charming man stands prideful on the stage, He wears a dark purple pirate coat with green pants and brown leather boots.
"Ah yes, How rude of me not to introduce myself! My name is Captain Tudor "Sauce" Edmund and this is an act of.. Kidnapping! I would be thankful if you just let us exit without any trouble!" He said as he and his men started walking towards the main door.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Alfred shouted.
The Captain turned around, "Outside and back to my ship, Do we have any problems with that?" He laughed but then the Royal Guards blocks the main door.
"I can't let you take our Lord away!" Alfred said as he drew his sword but the Captain just laughed at him, "I have canons aimed at this Mansion, I have your lord right next to me, You can't do squat! I control this situation! Just open the door and let us through and we'll be on our merry way, Yohoho!" Tudor said with a smirk.
"Open... Open the doors, Let them go." Alfred said as he lowers his sword, "But Sir! We can't let them take Lord Stahl! One of the royal guard shouted, "The best option is to let them go! At the very least we can confirm that our Lord will be a live, We'll think of a way to get him back." Alfred says in reply.
The Royal Guards opened the door with sorrowful expressions, "Yarhahar, You made the right choice there! I bid you good bye and do enjoy the rest of your masquerade![/I]" Tudor said as he and his men exit the mansion, "Oh and by the way, Don't worry about your Lord! He'll be alive! We'll just use him as a slave!" He shouted as the Mansion doors closed.
The people were shocked and silenced just quiet mumbling and tears, "Get the messenger! Tell him to go to Archeon and post a request in the Guild hall! Alfred shouted.
The Royal Guards saluted and rushed off, "Everyone, I have to ask you to leave and do not worry! We'll get to the bottom of this." Alfred said. The towns people leave the grounds and went to their homes.
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Outside the Crow Family's Villa
"Heart, Even though things could gone better- I did have a very wonderful time with you! Thank you for tonight and I'll see you tomorrow! Angel said and kissed Heart, "Thank you for tonight and I did enjoy it as well but I have to regret... that I don't think I could join you again soon. Heart replied.
Angel stepped back, clearly in shock. "W-what do you mean?" she said, "I'm going to help bring back Lord Stahl and I don't know when I'll be back." He said as two Royal guards approached them.
"Have you said your good byes? Our ship will be leaving in an hour and we have to get you geared up." One of the guard says.
Angel gives Heart her ring, "Stay safe for me will you?" She said as she kissed him one last time, Heart wore the ring and kissed her back, " I will, I'll write to you whenever I can, I'll see you soon!" He said.
Heart and the Royal Guards walked away as Angel enters her home, She looks out her window to see most if not all of the men of the city is being taken to the shipyard.
"They're making them fight for one man, I hope they succeed and get home safely." Angel said as she closes the curtains.
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To be continued.
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Originally Posted by Juiz
